1 June 2010
The Independent, Andy Gill
Metcalfe: Constant filter & other works
Studio Master: SIGCD207  Download only  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

'Most recently to be found helping Peter Gabriel transform the cover versions on Scratch My Back, John Metcalfe here furnishes cellist Matthew Barley with a series of pieces mostly composed for solo cello and electronics. Using computerised octave-splitters and delay units, Barley achieves a surprising depth of sound and harmonic richness, particularly on the title-track, where echoing wisps of electronic sound flutter around the cello like butterflies; Lonely Bay, on which the concentration necessitated by using a 40-second loop imposes a deep meditative calm; and The Appearance of Colour, where the slow accretion, note by note, of a single 25-note chord produces an imposing serenity' (The Independent)

1 June 2010

Michael Zadora - The complete recordings
APR6008  2CDs for the price of 1 — Download only 

‘Few of the recordings can be a touch steely in places due to their rarity, but Mark Obert-Thorn ensures that Zadora’s tonal qualities are respected and this is accomplished work’ (MusicWeb International)» More
1 June 2010
Classical Music Magazine, Catherine Groom
Pachelbel: Vespers
SIGCD198  Download only 

'A fascinating album of Vespers movements by a Thuringian organist of canonic status: Johann Pachelbel. Composed while Pachelbel was organist at Nuremberg's Sebalduskirche, these works conform to the liturgical practices of the South German early reformation. Elements of the choral writing sound not unlike that of Pachelbel's predecessor Schiitz—though director Ng's informative and well-researched liner notes point out that Pachelbel would have absorbed the concerted Italianate style while an apprentice in Vienna. Charivari Agréable is on excellent form, here, with sensitive leadership from Bojan Cicic and supportive continuo playing. The King's Singers are equally stylish, though miked far too close for comfort' (Classical Music Magazine)
1 May 2010

Grigory Ginzburg - His early recordings – 2
APR5672  Download only 

‘Grigory Ginzburg (1904-61) was a 'quiet pianist' who none the less offers a 'masterclass in keyboard mastery'. This, finely put, offers a clue towards an expert, modest and musicianly rather than sensational player’ (Gramophone)
1 May 2010

Grigory Ginzburg - His early recordings – 2
APR5672  Download only 

‘Ginzburg has been well served over the years … a harmonious look at his early studio recordings and they are complementary and indispensable items for a Ginzburg collection’ (MusicWeb International)» More
1 May 2010

Mozart, Gluck & Berlioz: Arias
SIGCD189  Download only 

'Since winning the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Rosenblatt Recital Prize in 2005, the promise shown by Andrew Kennedy has been confirmed by his rapidly developing international career. His voice has grown in strength, well beyond the stereotypical 'English tenor' bleat. Without sacrificing the classical elegance that serve him as Mozart's Belmonte and Emperor Tito, he has acquired a clarion ring at the top that equips him for Tamino, and bravura roles like Gluck's Achilles' (BBC Music Magazine)» More
PERFORMANCE
RECORDING
1 May 2010
Classic FM Magazine, Charlotte Gardner
Naked Byrd, Vol. 1
SIGCD180  Download only 

'The ‘Naked’ in the title refers to naked passion. The Armonico consort’s wide-ranging programme includes composers from Byrd to Górecki, united by their ‘tendency to wear their hearts on their sleeves and their ability to fix a sense of raw emotion’. Frustratingly, this live concert recording could have done with a bit more of the latter. Despite some lovely moments, the singing doesn’t always pick up on the meaning of the texts, some tempi are surprisingly slow and there are tuning glitches. Tallis’s Loqubantur variis linguis falls down on all three fronts with some dreay ‘hallelujahs’. However, Allegri’s Miserere Mei is well done' (Classic FM Magazine)
1 May 2010

Pachelbel: Vespers
SIGCD198  Download only 

'The marriage of the King's Singers and Charivari Agréable has created the 'dream-team' for this enchanting addition to the late middle-Baroque repertoire … the ensemble is unbeatable. The six King's Singers blend superbly, yet each becomes distinctive and expressive in their prominent moments' (BBC Music Magazine)» More
PERFORMANCE
RECORDING
1 May 2010

Rossini, Mozart & Beethoven: LCO Live
SIGCD201  Download only 

'Best of all are Susan Gritton’s performances … 'Bbrings a mingled aristocratic dignity and intensity of feeling' (Gramophone)
1 May 2010
Classica, France, Marc Desmet
Victoria: Lamentations of Jeremiah
Studio Master: CDGIM043  Download only  Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads available

‘These Lamentations … attest to the marvellous sensibility of the group and to the durability of an inimitable vocal style’ (Classica, France)» More
1 April 2010

Hallgrímsson: Mini Stories
SIGCD181  Download only 

'The excellent Caput Ensemble catch the rarefied and delicate atmosphere of each movement to perfection' (Gramophone)
1 April 2010
Fanfare, USA, Steven Ritter
Romantic novelties for violin and orchestra
SIGCD224  Download only 

'Udagawa [is] a performer who puts the spirit of the music ahead of all other considerations, and that is what makes this disc interesting' (Fanfare, USA)» More
More